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(MALVERNE, NY) Monday, February 12, 2018 – Town of Hempstead officials are asking local residents to check their unlocked sheds, garages and backyards for a 17-year-old autistic child who ran away from his mother during a field trip in Malverne, Long Island.

Joseph “Michael” Barbella, a 17-year-old boy who suffers from autism, hasn’t been seen since 5 p.m. Monday, after becoming startled by a loud noise. Joseph, who responds to his Confirmation name “Michael,” is 5’7” and 158 pounds with brown hair and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with black pants and black sneakers. He was last seen at the corner of Malverne Ave and Hempstead Ave in Malverne.

Joseph is known to hide under cars or in unlocked sheds or garages. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen is asking local residents in the vicinity to check their sheds and backyards for the missing child and to please call 911 with any available information.